Unprecedented event: US Army begins fighting in another country

The US Army has begun directly participating in ground raids against drug cartels in Ecuador, marking a dramatic policy shift. Armed American soldiers operated alongside local forces in arrests and assassinations. Experts warn this represents a significant departure from the secondary role they have played in the region until now.

The US Army has begun fighting alongside Ecuadorian security forces in ground raids against drug cartels, marking a dramatic policy shift. According to reports, 50 armed American soldiers participated in raids in the city of Guayaquil alongside 300 local police officers, and in a separate operation, a local drug cartel leader known as "Charlie" and his two bodyguards were killed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that American elite forces are operating on the ground. Experts warn that this represents a significant departure from the secondary role US forces have played in the region until now, and that if the model spreads, American soldiers could find themselves in combat situations.